Trek Difficulty
Moderate-Difficult
Trek Duration
7 days
Highest Altitude
12,000 ft
Suitable For
12-62 years
Nafran Valley Trek
Nafran Valley Trek is among the most pristine and scenic Kashmir treks. It has a trail that starts from Aru, a village 12 km from Pahalgam and around 112km from Srinagar. This trek has remained famous for offbeat trekking where one sees serenity and long lush meadows with gorgeous jungle walks and an alpine lake.
Nafran Valley Trek has a unique landscape that exposes a trekker to not only meadows but jungle, alpine lake, and glacier as well. This forms a complete bouquet for a trekking enthusiast. Its wavy meadows an unmatched in any form. Even the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek doesn’t offer as serene and other-worldly vast meadows and beautiful trails as this trek offers.
Right from the first day of the trek which starts alongside a river stream, the trek surprises the trekker with its sheer beauty.
One has to pass over the famous and legendary Harnag Pass. The pass is traditionally used by shepherds and highland people to cross over to other valleys and move towards Kolahoi Glacier.
Another attraction of the trek is the lofty Kolahoi peak and glacier that one sees at a near distance. The ever-charming Kolahoi glacier and the peak are refreshing. Kolahoi has remained a dream for many trekkers and mountaineers to climb or trek to. Behold the peak and glacier right before you and wonder at its intricate formation.
Harbaghwan Lake is nestled cozily in a gorgeous setup where the glaciers melt into at times big chunks of glacier masses. Trekkers stop here for lunch rest and enjoy the view that is soothing to all the senses. This lake is away from tourist litter and crowd so much so that it has no trace of human impact.
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Original price was: ₹14,750.00.₹13,500.00Current price is: ₹13,500.00.
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What are the Highlights of the Trek?
- The Lush Meadows: One of the fantastic highlights of Nafran Valley are lush meadows. The meadows are like the carpet of a carpet of lush grass with an unending length. They look straight out of some fairyland. You will be surprised how clean and spotless these meadows are. This is more because of the fact this trek has remained offbeat and has not crowded with trekkers. Thanks to this, the trek is still clean and in its natural form.
- The Alpine Lakes: The alpine lakes of Nafran Valley are glacier-fed. They are big and imposing. The grassland goes directly to the edges of the lakes. You can sit and relax just beside these lakes. The prominent lake of this trek is Harnag Lake. One has to cross the Harnag Pass to reach this lake. In the past, the lake has been unbelievably beautiful.
- Aru Valley: This is the most popular tourist destination in Kashmir. Aru is the base camp for this trek. Spend the night here in the meadows of Aru Valley beside the river stream. Enjoy a relaxing walk in the village.
Fixed Departure
| Date | Status |
|---|---|
| 5 July 2025 | Open |
| 6 July 2025 | Open |
| 12 July 2025 | Open |
| 13 July 2025 | Open |
| 19 Jul 2025 | Open |
| 20 July 2025 | Open |
| 26 July 2025 | open |
| 27 July 2025 | Open |
| 2 Aug 2025 | Open |
| 3 Aug 2025 | Open |
| 9 Aug 2025 | Open |
| 10 Aug 2025 | open |
| 16 Aug 2025 | Open |
| 17 Aug 2025 | Open |
| 23 Aug 2025 | Open |
| 24 Aug 2025 | Open |
| 30 Aug 2025 | open |
| 31 Aug 2025 | Open |
| 6 Sep 2025 | Open |
| 7 Sep 2025 | Open |
| 13 Sep 2025 | Open |
| 14 Sep 2025 | Open |
| 20 Sep 2025 | Open |
| 21 Sep 2025 | open |
| 27 Sep 2025 | Open |
| 28 Sep 2025 | Open |
Why is the Nafran Valley Trek is Must do?
- Greenest of Meadows: Similar to Tarsar Marsar Trek and Kashmir Great Lakes trek, even Nafran Valley trek presents you the opportunity to witness some of the lushest meadows of Kashmir. Walking on the soft glass, sometimes barefoot, feels surreal. They are often dotted with an array of beautiful wildflowers, completing the scenery.
- Offbeat campsites: For an entire week, you will be spending the night at different locations. Sometimes it is in the middle of a meadow, and by lakeshore on the next day. Each of these campsites are remotely located, away from human intervention. You actually get to have a solace experience during the trek.
- Harnag Lake: The prime reason why you should do Nafran Valley has to be the Harnag Lake. The lake day is the fifth day of the trek. To reach there, you need to cross the Harnag Pass. The long, physically demanding day rewards you with gorgeous views of the lake. Located at an altitude of about 3720 metres, it is just breathtaking. You get to spend some time here at the lakeshore, clicking pictures and enjoying the scenery.
- Traditional aspect: The traditional aspect of why you should do the Nafran Valley trek has to be an opportunity to get an insight into Mountain life. You see the mud houses, in which locals still live. You will surely run into shepherds with their cattles, grazing the grass. .
Nafran Valley Trek Day Wise Itinerary
- Drive Distance 110km
- Duration 3.5 hours
- Aru Altitude 2450m
The first day of the trek is a drive to reach the base camp at Aru. Aru is the best scenic village in all of Kashmir. It is 12 km ahead of Pahalgam. Housing few numbers of houses, this village has remained heaven for Trekkers for centuries. It is also from here that the famous Tarsar Marsar and Kolahoi Glacier Trek start.
- Drive Distance 6km
- Trek Distance: 7km
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude: 2350m – 3150m
This is the first trek day of the trek. The trek starts a few kilometers before Aru. The starting point of the trek is Mondlan. The trail starts just from the main road. The trail starts with an ascend and goes through a thick forest. The forest walk is the first serene feel you will get from this trek. The walk is in complete silence under the shade of tall trees and surrounding bird species.
Many bird species are in these trees. Your trek leader will make you acquainted with some of the bird species that you never see in cities. The sun filters through these trees and gives you a feel of other-worldly.
You will see a clean river stream running at the beginning of the trek. Refill your water bottles as water will be scarce till the next campsite. You will have to cross this stream and then you will see a small collection of shepherd houses. The houses are your first glimpse of how people live in the mountains. A serene and peaceful life, away from the daily troubles of modernity.
Further up to the trail, the walk jungle gives way to a beautiful small meadow called Shul Marg. Take a rest in the meadow and enjoy the beautiful landscape of this place. The grasslands here are full of colorful flowers in the summer season. The entire meadow looks colorful and rejuvenating.
From this small meadow, the trail ascends towards another settlement of shepherds. The trail turns towards the right by crossing the shimmering river stream. There comes another patch of the forest walk and then goes into a meadow.
Further up, the trail gains steepness till you spot a wooden gate. This is called the Gateway of Nafran Valley. The trail then leads you to the campsite called Bhaj Marg.
Bhaj Marg is a breathtakingly beautiful meadow and serene. You will hardly see a trekker crowd here. The grassland is vast and you will see horses trotting around. In the middle of this grassland, you get a panoramic view of the mountains.
Enjoy your food and tented accommodation in the beautiful ambiance here.
The gradient of the day is easy to moderate.
- Trek Distance: 9km
- Trek Duration: 7 hours
- Altitude: 3150m – 3450m via 3500m
This is the day you will trek to the famous and scenic Nafran Valley for which this trek is famous. Leave your campsite after a hearty breakfast and fill your bottle with water. The trail goes through a forest patch and is an ascent.
After walking for a couple of kilometers, you will reach the ridge of Arram Pathri. The top of this ridge gives you the best scenic view of the entire Bhaj Marg meadow and Dadwar meadow. The trail further takes you through a couple of river streams. Ford these river streams carefully. Your trek leader will help you in crossing these river streams.
The trail then reaches a hard rocky patch. You must meander the rocky patch cautiously as it risks the trekker falling. Place your steps carefully and firmly. The rocky terrain however gives you a commanding view of Pahalgam valley towards your left. This is a treat to the eyes.
The trail then descends towards Arram Pathri. The descent is steep and you will have to be again careful in descending this trail. As you descend, you will see a settlement of shepherds on the banks of the beautiful Nafran Valley. This is Arram Pathri.
This is a nice spot for rest and refilling your water bottles. Take pictures and videos of this spot as the scenic landscape and serenity will be etched on your memory.
Keep the Nafran river towards your left and follow the trail which is strewn with boulders. The trail to your next campsite goes via a couple of grasslands and boulder sections. Shortly thereafter, you will reach the Nafran Valley Valley campsite. The valley is gorgeous and surrounded by mountains on three sides.
The gradient of the day is easy to moderate.
- Trek Distance: 5km
- Trek Duration: 5 hours
- Altitude: 3450m – 3500m
Wake up early morning to see how a calm breeze passes through your campsite. The mornings in this valley are refreshing. It takes all the troubles of the world off your mind here, and you get to know the reward of doing this trek.
Since Nafran Valley is the main highlight of this trek, start your trek with a tour around this beautiful valley. Your trek leader will make you go around this valley and get the best views that this valley offers. Once you are done with the tour of Nafran Valley the trail proceeds towards the Harnag Pass.
The trail gains steepness slowly. The trail gives a panoramic view of grasslands. And the river streams cutting across these meadows.
Your campsite will be just below the Harnag Pass. Soak yourself in the breathtaking Harnag valley. Enjoy the campsite and the food that your cook will offer you.
The gradient of the day is moderate.
- Trek Distance: 6km
- Trek Duration: 7 hours
- Altitude: 3500m – 3500m via 3650m
This is lake day. It is on this day you will be seeing the beautiful Harnag Lake. Start early morning after a delicious breakfast. Gear yourself with proper trekking essentials. The trail starts with a flat walk and then goes through boulder and rocky terrain.
You must be extra careful while you walk on these rocky sections. At some places, the rocks are loose which increases the chance of dislocation or fall. Just put your feet firmly and carefully. Look for loose rocks and slippery boulders. The water coming down from the mountain makes the boulders wet and slippery. Be careful.
The walk is all ascending till you reach the top of Harnag Pass. The pass however is equally rewarding. It gives you one of the best panoramic views of the entire trek. You will see on one side the wide Nafran valley eternally gorgeous.
Towards the other side are Harnag Valley and Harnag Lake. The lake is just in the middle of this valley. A completely alone and enticing lake is a treat to the tired eyes. You will realize here that the view compensates more than what troubles you faced while climbing through the boulder and rocky sections.
To reach the lake, one has to descend towards the lake. The descent is equally tiring and challenging. You will have to be again careful with your steps. the trail is strewn with boulders and rocks which are loose, wet, and slippery. Make sure you follow the shepherd trail wherever you see it visible. Shepherd at times places rocks firmly to make a safe path in loose rocky terrain.
Immediately afterward, behold the beautiful Harnag Lake. Soak yourself in the beauty that surrounds you here.
Further afterward, you will have to cross a couple of streams to reach the Kolahoi Glacier viewpoint. Kolahoi Glacier is a massive glacier and is the largest glacier in Kashmir. Shrouded under the lofty peak of Kolahoi, this glacier is vast spanning and is all white.
It is this glacier that melts into the Lidder River and then gets into the Jhelum River. Kolahoi Peak is the highest altitude peak in Kashmir.
Take a rest here and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
Trace your steps back towards your campsite at Harnag Valley.
The gradient of the day is difficult.
- Trek Distance: 7km
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude: 3500m – 3200m
Today you will again retrace the steps back to Arram Pathri. The beautiful valley that you saw while coming. Enjoy the walk and take regular breaks to try your hand at photography. Stops at spots that you missed while coming. The walk of the day is easy and mild on your legs. Stop for lunch in the middle of a beautiful meadow.
The gradient of the day is moderate to difficult.
- Drive Distance: 110km
- Trek Distance: 10km
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude: 3200m – 2450m
This is the last day of the trek. You will be trekking from Arram Pathri to Aru. The trek ends at Aru thereby making it a circuit trek. The trail from Arram Pathri takes a right turn. The trail will give you a varied and different landscape than what you saw on the second day of the trek. The gradient of the day is easy. It is a gentle walk down to Aru valley.
The trail will take you through the beautiful small valleys of Kanzal Pathri and Gagad Pathri. The valleys are strewn with the patches of forests. The trail goes to the confluence of two shimmering water streams of Nafran Valley and Gash Angan.
On your way, you will see settlements of shepherds. Enjoy your breaks at these settlements. And see how they live their lives here away from any connectivity and modernity.
Immediately afterward you will reach the endpoint of this trek – Aru. This is the beautiful hamlet to rest in before you drive back to Pahalgam or Srinagar.
The gradient of the day is easy.
What to pack for the Trek?
Here’s a comprehensive packing list to help you prepare for the Nafran Valley trek:
- Clothing
- Base Layer: Carry 1-2 pairs of moisture-wicking thermal tops & bottoms.
- Mid Layer: Carry fleece or down jacket for warmth
- Outer Layer: For overall coverup, carry waterproof and windproof jacket & pants
- Trekking Pants: Carry 2-3 pairs of lightweight and quick-dry trekking pants.
- Trekking T-shirts: Quick-dry (2-3)
- Insulated Jacket: Insulated jackets are essential for colder nights.
- Gloves: Bring waterproof and insulated gloves.
- Woolen Cap & Neck Gaiter: to remain protected from cold winds.
- Socks: Socks of woolen & synthetic blend (3-4 pairs)
- Gaiters: For snow or muddy trails,
- Poncho/Raincoat: If trekking in monsoon season, don’t forget poncho/ full body-raincoat.
- Footwear
- Trekking Boots: Waterproof and ankle support
- Camp Shoes: Lightweight for evenings at camp
- Backpack & Sleeping Gear
- Backpack: 50-60L with rain cover
- Daypack: 10-20L for essentials
- Sleeping Bag: Rated for at least -5°C to -10°C
- Sleeping Mat: If not provided by trek organizers
- Trekking Gear
- Trekking Poles: Reduce knee strain
- Headlamp: With extra batteries
- Sunglasses: UV protection for high-altitude sun
- Water Bottles/Hydration Pack: At least 2 liters capacity
- Lunchbox & Cutlery: If needed for packed meals
- Toiletries & Essentials
Sunscreen (SPF 50+), Lip Balm (SPF 30+), Toilet Paper & Wet Wipes, Hand Sanitizer, Biodegradable Soap, Toothbrush & Toothpaste.
- First Aid & Medication
- Personal Medication (for altitude sickness, pain relief, allergies, etc.)
- Basic First Aid Kit (band-aids, antiseptic, blister care)
- ORS/Electrolyte Powder
- Diamox (if prone to altitude sickness, consult a doctor first)
- Miscellaneous
- Energy Bars/Dry Fruits for quick energy
- Camera/Power Bank for capturing moments
- Lightweight Towel
- ID & Trek Permits (if required)
- Cash (for small expenses, as ATMs may not be available)
How to Prepare for Nafran Valley Trek?
Since Nafran Valley trek falls in the category of moderate to difficult trek, preparing for it in advance is essential.
- The best way to prepare for the challenging gradient of the trek is by focusing on your physical health. Daily walking, jogging or running is suggested. Once you have achieved to walk/run or jog for 5 kilometres under 30 minutes, you will be considered a fit trekker.
- Add strength training to your workout. Include exercises that target your quads, hamstrings, glutes, core, etc.
- Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Meditation and yoga helps in breath regulation. It is highly helpful when you will be in alpine regions with low oxygen levels.
- If you are on any personal medicines for a particular disease, consult your doctor regarding the trek and the challenges that come with it. Remain regular on your checkups and medicines.
- Lastly, as you are all fit and ready, don’t forget to carry various essentials mentioned in the list above.
Nafran Valley Trek is a pure summer trek. The trek is inaccessible and not doable during winter, spring, or autumn. Owing to its high altitude, the entire trail of Nafran Valley Trek remains under the snow throughout the winter. In Spring, the snow doesn’t melt fully on its trail Towards the start of summers like in May and June, the passes of the trek are still covered in snow which makes the ponies cross them difficult and quite dangerous.
The autumn makes this trek difficult because of the drop in temperature which the ponies can’t bear at high altitudes, also by the time autumn fully arrives, the grass in the grasslands of Nafran Valley dies down which is the main source of food for the ponies. Hence Nafran Valley is not doable in Winter, Spring, and Autumn. The best months to do this trek are July, August, and September.
To embark on this trek, you need to have a fair level of fitness. Nafran Valley Trek is a moderate to difficult trek. The trek has some steep ascents. It has boulder and rocky sections which one has to maneuver. The toughest ascent is on the day one goes over the famous Harnag Pass which is full of large boulders and gets slippery with the water that runs down over it.
For a beginner, this trek will require some pre-trek fitness preparations. Beginners should hit the gym, and and try cardio and stretching along with moderate to tough squat exercises. The trek will put a strain on our knees and ankles. The main reason for the trek being moderate to difficult is that it gains altitude with a short distance that makes it steeper.
Nafran Valley Trek starts from Aru valley which is around 112 km from Srinagar. From Srinagar, you can get a direct cab to Aru Valley which will be arranged by Cliffhangers India. You can reach Srinagar by air. There is a direct flight from Delhi every day to Srinagar.
The nearest railway station to Srinagar is the Jammu railway station, you will have to take a cab from Jammu to reach Srinagar. The duration of the drive is around 8 hours.
- Clothing: Wear warm clothing to protect yourself from the cold at night, such as fleece, thermals, and heavy jackets.
- First Aid: Must have a first aid pack that contains all the prescription drugs and bandages that you will need for the walk, as well as medications for fever, headache, diarrhoea, cold, flu, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Hiking Shoes: For the hike, high ankle hiking shoes are a good choice because they offer the right balance of comfort and durability on a range of terrain and activities.
- Woollen capes: Gloves and a woollen cap for the night.
- Sunscreens: Cold cream and lip balms.
- Backpacking: To carry all your equipment, it is necessary to carry a good quality of backpack with a minimum capacity of 50-60 litres.
- Electronic Equipment: Carry trekking poles which include torch, mobile phones, sunglasses, power bank, water bottle, Bluetooth, camera and some kind of music system.
- Toiletry: personal toiletry which includes towels, toothbrushes, toilet papers, tissues, nail slipper, sanitary pads for female travellers, shampoo and your personal essentials that you utilise every day.
- Sleeping Bags: Pack a sleeping bag that is small, light and appropriate for the temperatures you expect to experience on your hike.
Make sure this list fits your needs before starting your trek by adjusting it for the length of your trip and the requirements of your destination. While preparing for your adventure, keep comfort, safety, and the least amount of negative environmental impact in mind.
FAQ's
The highest altitude of Nafran Valley is 3650m. This is however the highest point only of the pass. We will be camping just below this altitude which makes it quite safe for the trek. The daily altitude gain is moderately spread and the length of the trek is also moderate.
This Nafran Trek is located in the Aru Valley of Kashmir. Aru is just 12 km from Pahalgam which is the most popular tourist destination of Kashmir. Towards one side, the trek gets connected to Kolahoi Glacier, and towards the other, it gets connected to Amarnath Cave.
The Nafran Valley is a moderate to difficult trek. It is best recommended for trekkers or fit beginners. One has to prepare for this trek by hitting the gym or practicing like running. One can even start day hiking once a week before some months of joining this trek
This trek has a moderate length. The total distance of the Nafran Trek is 43km. This is spread over 7 days in total which includes one day of acclimatization. Every day one has to walk until the afternoon.
The best time to do this trek is from July to September. However, if you wish to see snow on the trek, then June end is the best time for this trek. In the summer months of July, August, and September, the trail and landscape are all green. The rivers are full of water and the lakes are full.
The total duration of the trek is 7 days. This includes one day of acclimatization which is on the first day. There are 6 days of walking. This duration makes the trek quite moderate. If the days are reduced then the trek becomes difficult in gradient.
The starting point of this trek is Aru Valley. This valley is the base camp for some of the prominent treks and expeditions of Kashmir like the Kolahoi trek, tartar trek, etc. This valley is half an hour’s drive from Pahalgam and has a small local population that forms the guides and ponywalas for all these treks.
Yes, a fit beginner can do this trek. It needs some preparation before you join this trek. Hit the gym, and make your lower body strong and flexible. Any person with a fair level of fitness can finish this trek quite easily.
Nafran Valley is quite a safe trek. It has no threatening wildlife, no sharp climbs, or no technical trekking involved. The trail is definite and quite easy to trace and walk on. It has easy evacuation points and emergency exits.
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